My love/hate relationship with the gym

by Arlene Olivencia

So, about a year ago, I decided that I was going to get fit. I had put on some weight after having my baby, and juggling a full-time job and a newborn took its toll on my body. My turning point was when I was carrying my child, her carriage, her baby bag, my purse, and my extra 60 pounds up a three-story walk up to bring her to my Mom. I was completely out of breath and was instantly exhausted. I went to work angry at myself and vowed to get fit as soon as possible.

I started really taking my diet seriously and joined a gym. Today, I’m 80 pounds lighter than that woman at the top of the stairs, and can fly up those steps with everything in hand and not break a sweat. I grew a love for working out and go to the gym during my lunch break. Going to a unisex gym has as many pros as it does woes. I’ve comprised a few I’d like to share. What are yours?

Working the treadmill is a union between me and machine. While some see this as a grand opportunity to spark a conversation, I am busy sweating profusely. My iPod is on, my headsets are in, and my speed is 6.0. There is nothing adorable or sexy about trying to talk whilst running and trying to block out the smell of the garlic-enforced shield your neighbor is emanating.

Strength training, for me, is a balance act between being strong and looking sleek. For the testosterone-driven men monopolizing the free weights, it’s about flexing and lifting at an angle in front of the mirror so that their guns are in clear view for other men to see. The mirrors are everywhere and therefore impossible to block out man time at its best. An encouraging nod in my direction from one of these beasts is never encouraging; pretend I don’t exist.

Taking yoga and themed workout classes always help to keep a regime exciting. In a class of 30 or more, you are bound to be behind someone with expert squatting technique. Antiperspirant shouldn’t be limited to underarms. By all means, use it liberally. Yoga is designed for balance and perverse poses, therefore, women only preferred. Having the family jewels sans underwear being hugged by spandex provokes nausea; gag reflex isn’t a yoga pose.

Hitting the showers after a workout feels great. Watching people’s scented sweat drain under your feet, not so great. Shower slippers are inexpensive and can save you from all kinds of undiscovered germs. Also, the Amazon jungle the locker room is not. Ask for extra towels; they’re free. I may be a minimalist but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to embrace your bare essentials; my locker’s on the bottom.

To learn more about Arlene, visit L Line Chronicles.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those
of the author and should not be understood to be shared by Being Latino, Inc.

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